Madrid is one of the most incredible cities in Europe, filled with rich culture and fun social energy around every corner. However, you’d be remiss to skip one of the most iconic experiences one can have in the city: a proper tapas run!

Instead of running the risk of heading to a tourist trap, I highly recommend going on a proper tour with local professional guides there to lead the way. To make sure you’re on the right path, I’ve gone ahead and reviewed the 7 top Madrid tapas tours available, which are each well worth your time and money. Let’s jump right in!

Be sure to see our reviews of Madrid Wine Tours and Madrid Food Tours.

Best Tapas Tours in Madrid

	Madrid Tapas & Wine Tasting Walking Tour – Small Group Local Bars	Madrid Tapas & Taverns Small Group Food & History Tour	Madrid Tapas & Wine Tour with Rooftop Views and Local Guide
Meeting Location:	Pl. de Sta. Ana, Centro, 28012, Centro, 28012 Madrid	C. de la Misericordia, 1, Centro, 28013 Madrid	Pl. de San Miguel, 7, Centro, 28005 Madrid
Tour Length:	3 hours	3 hours to 3.5 hours	4 hours
Start Time(s):	12:30 PM, 7:30 PM	6:30 PM	11:30 AM, 6:00 PM
What’s Included:	Local guide, Tasting of more than 12 authentic tapas at 4 local bars loved Madrileños, enough for a full dinner, Small group (max 12 people), 1 drink included at each bar (wine, beer, vermouth, soft drink, or water)	4 tasting stops with 9 tapas and 4 drinks, History walk through Madrid’s historic center - Shared and Private Options only, Local English-speaking guide, Step into historic bars - La Latina Option ONLY	Expert bilingual local guide, Guided walking tour through central Madrid, 4 authentic tapas stops with paired drinks, Rooftop experience with a glass of cava or cocktail (PM tour only)
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Our 7 Top Picks For The Best Madrid Tapas Tour:

1. Madrid Tapas & Wine Tasting Walking Tour – Small Group Local Bars
2. Madrid Tapas & Taverns Small Group Food & History Tour
3. Madrid Tapas & Wine Tour with Rooftop Views and Local Guide
4. Madrid Tapas Night Walking Tour
5. Old Madrid Tapas and Fine Wine Small Group Tour
6. Madrid Historic Centre Food Tour with 10+ Authentic Tastings
7. Madrid Tapas Crawl ️Tour by Food Lover Tour

Madrid Tapas Tour Reviews

1. Madrid Tapas & Wine Tasting Walking Tour – Small Group Local Bars

What to Expect on the Tour

The Madrid Tapas & Wine Tasting Walking Tour – Small Group Local Bars is a full-fledged immersion into everything great about tapas, from sweet to savory. If it’s your first time in Madrid, this is one of the best ways to put your finger on the pulse of local culture.

Expect to hop between several classic tapas bars – some hidden in narrow alleyways, while others are filled to the brim with lively Madrileños – while your guide breaks it all down for you in a digestible (ha) yet intelligent way.

You and the rest of your small group will get to try a curated selection of iconic plates like jamon Iberico, tortilla española, gambas al ajillo, and melt-in-your-mouth croquetas. Each stop comes paired with a Spanish wine selected to highlight the flavors of the dish, from bright Albariños to complex vermouths you can only find here.

This walk-and-eat experience allows for just the right amount of time to digest while learning all about different landmarks and the overall history of Madrid.

What Makes This Tour Great

There are good food tours, and then there are tours that I recommend to all my friends and family when they’re in the city – this is definitely the latter. This must-book Madrid tapas tour delves into the depths of Spain’s wine regions and culinary traditions, spanning different eras, different economic classes, and even different cultures within the city.

You’ll know all about why certain regions specialize in certain wines, how tapas culture has evolved over the years, and which bottles and dishes you absolutely must try again and again.

I do love a good tour that feels authentic – like a close local friend is there taking me to those “underground” treasures that you won’t find on TikTok or even the most popular YouTube travel channels.

Our guide made it a point to take us to real tapas institutions that locals love, and our guide’s obviously great relationships with the owners and bartenders further improved the experience! With great pacing, incredible food and wine, and wonderful chats about history and culture, it’s a blast for anyone and everyone!

Reserve Tour Now and Pay Later / Free Cancellation Within 24 Hours of Tour Start Time

2. Madrid Tapas & Taverns Small Group Food & History Tour

What to Expect on the Tour

Next up is the Madrid Tapas & Taverns Small Group Food & History Tour, perfect for foodies and history nerds alike! However, you don’t need to be super into either subject to have a good time here – if your goal is to eat like a true Madrileño while learning all about how it came to be, this is exactly what you’re looking for.

Expect a small-group deep dive into Madrid’s old-school taverns, busy tapas bars, and historic nooks and crannies, where you really get an authentic taste of Spain.

You’ll have the option to go through Huertas, La Latina, or the Literary Quarter, depending on which option you select, and if you choose the shared or private option. It’s nice to do the completely private one so you have the guide all to yourself, and they can tailor the tour according to you and your private party’s interests and curiosities.

At each stop, expect to sample Spanish staples like gambas, cañas, olives, braised oxtail, or the Madrid icon: classic tortilla. Wash it all down with some expertly paired vermouths, and you’re in for a great time!

What Makes This Tour Great

What I love about this Madrid tapas tour is that it’s more than just about the food – it’s all about the history that made this day even possible. With 4 amazing tapas bar stops, you’ll get to try a wide array of different tapas and traditional drinks to match perfectly with the varied flavor profiles.

With a guide who goes beyond being a food lover (more like a food expert born and raised eating the best bites around Madrid), you can count on learning about centuries-old tavern traditions that still affect the capital today.

It was cool to get to see places like the famed Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol, where your guide will share fascinating stories, like how everything from public trials during the Inquisition to bullfights have taken place here.

This is a wonderful way to experience drinks and tapas all while strolling around and learning about interesting historical accounts along the way!

Reserve Tour Now and Pay Later / Free Cancellation Within 24 Hours of Tour Start Time

3. Madrid Tapas & Wine Tour with Rooftop Views and Local Guide

What to Expect on the Tour

The Madrid Tapas & Wine Tour with Rooftop Views and Local Guide is basically the key to the city in terms of all things “local food culture”. What really sets this tour apart, is that you won’t just go through some of the best tapas bars and restaurants, but you’ll also venture through Madrid’s markets!

Expect to wander through bustling stalls, meet local vendors, and sample ingredients many of the city’s top chefs purchase from here. In fact, if you’re at all interested in cooking some Spanish dishes, this is a great look into many of the most commonly used ingredients!

Aside from your time at the markets, you’ll do some proper tapas stops, trying a mix of classics like jamon iberico, artisan cheeses, fresh seafood bites, and some more modern interpretations, which is a nice dash of variation.

The pacing is relaxed and interactive, with regular stops to taste, chat, and learn how different Spanish regions contribute to Madrid’s amazing cuisine profile.

What Makes This Tour Great

What makes this tour easily one of the best tapas tours in Madrid, is the balance of authenticity, insider access, and cultural insight that spans beyond just the designated tapas bars.

I actually got a lot of value out of the market visits, learning about the best vendors to go to, and even how to spot the best jamon, olives, and manchego cheese. It’s one of the more versatile tours of its type, with a small group size to keep things intimate and more personalized.

It was the first time I’d tried some more “modern” tapas, which was cool to see how they’d transformed in more recent times. The 4 spots varied from a tavern to a venue that’s over a century old, though the itinerary does change slightly, depending on the departure time you select.

Oh, and if you decide to select the evening tour, you’ll even get to do a gorgeous rooftop visit with a glass of cava or cocktail included!

Reserve Tour Now and Pay Later / Free Cancellation Within 24 Hours of Tour Start Time

4. Madrid Tapas Night Walking Tour

What to Expect on the Tour

Madrid is already enthralling during the daytime, but as soon as the sun goes down, it has a certain type of magic and energy that you just can’t get anywhere else. The Madrid Tapas Night Walking Tour is the best way to experience it, popping from tavern to tavern to taste classic bites, and diving into Madrid’s electric nightlife energy.

Expect a lively yet relaxed evening walk with a guide who leads you to some hidden gem spots that you wouldn’t otherwise find on your own. At each stop, you’ll snack on a rotation of iconic Spanish plates involving hearty stews, melty croquetas, regional cheeses, or perfectly crispy patatas bravas.

Each tasting involves some of the best Spanish wines and vermouth made in-house that’ll make you crave tapas from there on out! With a small group tour, expect an intimate experience where you’ll get to ask your guide any questions you may have and have some time to chat throughout.

What Makes This Tour Great

First off, I appreciated the small group size, which felt so much more personalized than those big, crowded alternatives, where you just feel like another head in the group.

Within minutes, I felt like I’d known my guide and the other group members for years – laughing and chatting throughout the entire time. As it is a nighttime tour, something about our vibe just felt more lively and lighthearted, which amplified the experience.

Our guide broke down exactly why Madrileños snack on certain dishes more than others, and even why they eat so late! Nighttime tapas hopping is a ton of fun, and squishing into cozy spots with this intangible, lively energy is incomparable to just going out to a bar elsewhere.

Ultimately, if you want a Madrid evening that blends food, storytelling, and the city’s signature nightlife energy, this tour absolutely hits.

Reserve Tour Now and Pay Later / Free Cancellation Within 24 Hours of Tour Start Time

5. Old Madrid Tapas and Fine Wine Small Group Tour

What to Expect on the Tour

The Old Madrid Tapas and Fine Wine Small Group Tour is your opportunity to wander through Madrid’s most atmospheric historic streets while snacking on elevated, restaurant-quality tapas.

Expect a relaxed walking route through the city’s medieval core – places like Plaza Mayor, the Literary Quarter, and some “hidden” alleyways where you’ll find centuries-old taverns and boutique wine bars that tourists often miss.

This is one of the smallest “small-group tours”, with a maximum of just 8 participants allowed, which always amplifies the vibe a bit! Expect to visit a curated selection of gourmet spots in the iconic La Latina neighborhood, where your guide will take you through authentic tapas and regional specialties washed down by fine national wines.

This is the tour to take if you want a more “elevated” or “sophisticated” Madrid tapas tour, with a clearly high-quality wine and food selection.

What Makes This Tour Great

Oh man, this was definitely one of my favorite tours I’ve EVER taken, regardless of it being a tapas tour or not. The fine mix of gourmet, top-notch quality of food and wine and deep historical context make it a real treat, in every aspect.

Your guide is certified as a local wine expert and is there to tell stories about Madrid’s tavern traditions, wine regions, old trade routes, and the evolution of Spanish gastronomy.

Don’t expect basic “bar snacks” or generic wines here – everything is with craftsmanship in mind, from family-run taverns to wine bars that specialize in Spain’s most famed regions.

The small group size keeps things personal, where you can ask questions, get recommendations, and really connect with the guide beyond what the standard is. If you want a tapas tour that’s tasty, elevated, and focuses on Madrid’s historic soul, look no further than this one.

Reserve Tour Now and Pay Later / Free Cancellation Within 24 Hours of Tour Start Time

6. Madrid Historic Centre Food Tour with 10+ Authentic Tastings

What to Expect on the Tour

Next up is the Madrid Historic Centre Food Tour with 10+ Authentic Tastings, focusing on the essential flavors and practices found throughout the local food scene.

Don’t expect to hit random bars, but rather taste your way through some of the most interesting, delicious stops with a true foodie expert. I could tell our guide was really up on all the latest trends, while still honoring some of the establishments that have made tapas what they are today.

Opting for family-run spots and neighborhood taverns over the top Instagram-hyped places, you’ll get to see and try the recipes that have been quite literally perfected over generations.

A fine lineup of essentials like a perfectly caramelized tortilla española, jamon iberico, fresh seafood eats (garlic prawns are a must!), artisanal cheeses, and more await you!

What Makes This Tour Great

The pacing is casual and social, with plenty of chances to chat, ask your expert guide questions, and just soak up the raw energy of Madrid. If you’re on the hunt for a tour that’s approachable for beginners but still satisfying for the experienced foodie, this is one of the best options around.

It’s intentionally curated to take you through real Madrileño culture, from historic taverns with wooden barrels lining the walls to modern tapas kitchens pushing creative takes on classics.

The storytelling our guide regaled us with was a gift in itself, making everything easy to understand while explaining more complex concepts involving history and culture. You get the influences behind the dishes, the history of neighborhoods you’re walking through, and much more.

The portions were also very generous, with great pairings of wine and food, and you’ll finish the night off feeling full and very happy!

Reserve Tour Now and Pay Later / Free Cancellation Within 24 Hours of Tour Start Time

7. Madrid Tapas Crawl ️Tour by Food Lover Tour

What to Expect on the Tour

Last but certainly not least, is the Madrid Tapas Crawl Tour by Food Lover Tour! It’s full of energy, authentic, yet no-frills, taking you through Madrid’s history in the form of food and drink.

It’s not a polished, pre-set tasting menu, but rather a legit crawl-hop between multiple neighborhoods so you can enjoy bars selected for their food, vibe, and/or reputation. This one covered La Latina, Lavapies, or Malasaña, depending on the start time and option selected.

This is one of the shorter tapas tours in Madrid, so if you already have a packed schedule and just want a “taste” of the experience, this is the best one to take. However, it’s never rushed, and still allows you to try plenty of crisp beer or Spanish wine, alongside plenty of regional dishes that reflect where the bar owner is from.

What Makes This Tour Great

As it IS a crawl, the pacing is upbeat and social where you’ll taste, chat, and low-key absorb the amazing energy of this unique city. It’s well-organized with everything going off without a hitch, while still feeling spontaneous and organic.

It made me feel more welcome in the city, probably because I felt I had a better grasp on neighborhood dynamics and even got to chat with some of the bar owners.

Our guide was super friendly and his passion for the subject and his city was simply contagious, even sharing a ton of great recommendations about things to do and see in the city beyond our tour. On a side note, if you want the best sangria you’ve ever had in your life, just sign up for this tour – trust me.

Reserve Tour Now and Pay Later / Free Cancellation Within 24 Hours of Tour Start Time

Allison Sheardy

Allison Sheardy came to wine as a second career in 2016 and has truly found her calling. She has created a niche for herself working in unique wine regions around the United States (Texas Hill Country, historic Livermore, CA, & Minnesota), where she specializes in hospitality for boutique, family-owned wineries. Allison is equally passionate about wine education. As such, she has earned her WSET Diploma in Wines and completed the French Wine Scholar program. Allison is currently pursuing her Master of Wine and teaches WSET levels 1-3.